NAVSEA studying cut in LCS speed requirement?

Reuters reported Friday that the Navy is conducting a study, led by Naval Sea Systems Command, to see whether it can cut the cost of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) by reducing the speed requirements. You can read the Reuters report HERE.

"The overall costs of the LCS are largely driven by the speed requirement of 50 knots. It can be safely assumed that between 30 percent and 40 percent of the current hull, mechanical and electrical (HM&E) costs are directly attributed to the speed requirement. It is not transparently clear what a 50 knot capability (as opposed to 30 knots) confers in the threat today of Mach 1-plus air and surface launched guided-stealthy missiles plus 70-plus-knot torpedoes."